A rotary brush assembly for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base portion, a linkage portion in rotational communication with the base portion and a treatment portion moveable between a first position extended into the vehicle treatment area for engagement with an exterior of a vehicle and a second position retracted from a vehicle treatment area. The treatment portion includes a brush assembly configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The brush assembly has a backing member, a plurality of media elements secured to the backing member, and a plurality of spray nozzles encapsulated within the plurality of media elements. A plurality of pockets formed on the brush assembly where none of the first plurality of media elements are disposed. The plurality of spray nozzles being disposed at an angle to direct separate streams of high pressure fluid away from the axis of rotation and through the area of the pockets such that the separate streams are substantially not obstructed by any of the plurality of media elements.

A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be oriented vertically at a location of a vehicle antenna to avoid the antenna.

A carwash station receives a vehicle being conveyed in a direction of travel in a carwash having a ground pathway. The carwash station includes a frame supported by the ground pathway, a four-bar linkage attached to the frame and a side washing brush attached to the four-bar linkage and having an axis of rotation being perpendicular to the direction of travel and perpendicular to the ground pathway.

A treatment element for attachment to a wash media element includes a tab portion for engaging and effecting attachment to the wash media element. A treatment head is connected to the tab portion and is configured to engage a vehicle exterior. The treatment head including a plurality of individual finger portions that are moveable with respect to one another.

A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be pivoted at a side mirror location of the vehicle.

In the method for controlling at least one washing device of at least one sensor situated on an outer contour of a vehicle, a completed vehicle wash of the outer contour of the vehicle is initially recognized. In this case, sensors, for example, are distance sensors, which detect the surroundings of a vehicle and are situated for this purpose on the outer body of the vehicle. As a result of a completed vehicle wash, the externally mounted sensors are cleaned as well and, therefore, after a vehicle wash, it may be assumed that these sensors are now free of dirt. First control signals for actuating the at least one washing device of the at least one sensor are generated depending on a recognized vehicle wash, which was carried out, for example, in a car wash.

A method and device for attaching and detaching material to a c-channel groove, including attachment and detachment between first and second objects already attached to the groove. The device comprises a coil-shaped element that is resiliently compressible and connected to a desired material. Through biasing, the coil-shaped element is navigable into an aperture of the c-channel groove at a point along the c-channel groove between the ends of the c-channel groove and positionable such that at least a portion of the biased coil-shaped element is in the c-channel groove. Upon restoring the biased coil-shaped element toward a second, larger dimension, it is secured in the c-channel groove and the material connected to the coil-shaped element is attached to the c-channel groove, including between the first object and the second object, if present.

A vehicle wash component includes a hub portion with a first hub section and a second hub section. The first hub section includes a first distal end and a first proximate end opposite the first distal end. The first hub section defines a first axis of rotation. The second hub section includes a second distal end and a second proximate end opposite the second distal end. The second hub section defines a second axis of rotation. A connector device rotatably couples the first hub section to the second hub section. An actuator is in communication with the first hub section to effectuate movement of the first distal end between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are parallel. In the extended position, the first axis of rotation is at a non-90 angle with respect to the second axis of rotation.

A tool assembly comprises a first tool having a torch at a first end and a first working part extending in front of the torch and a second tool having a first working part. The first tool is releasably attachable to the second tool by means of a connector on at least one of the tools such that the first working part of the second tool extends in front of the torch.

A pressure washing system is disclosed for integration into a recreational vehicle or other large mobile vehicle. The wand of the system includes a rotating brush and one or more sensors to determine a distance from, pressure against, or orientation with respect to the vehicle. While a pump is supplying water to be output by the wand, the distance, pressure, orientation, or other sensor readings are continuously used to modify output characteristics of the wand, including the output water pressure and the speed of rotation of the brush. As a result, no more pressure is supplied by water or brush bristles than is necessary, avoiding overuse of water or damage to outer surfaces of the vehicle. Sensor readings may include one or more of a camera feed, sonar, lidar, pressure feedback, and accelerometer data. The system may also be responsive to a mobile app on a user's mobile computing device.